The late Tommy McGrath At his funeral, one of the largest ever seen in Dungannon, as we left Woodlawn Drive we wondered if Tommy would have approved of what we were doing. Dungannon Clarkes were saying goodbye to our friend in the only way we knew how and yet we were conscious of a need to be as moderate and modest as he was. Whatever he would have thought privately he would not have condemned us because in his words 'we were doing what we thought was the right thing and more importantly we were doing our best'. Tommy always brought out the best in those around him and his large funeral was a reflection of the qualities he installed in all with whom he came in contact. His colleagues in Dungannon Hospitalite of Lourdes will have their own special memories of their friend and workmate. We in the Clarkes remember the passion with which he worked with us and for us for over twenty years. We remember the man who paced the sideline, oblivious to everything except the game and his team. The passion, with which he exhorted his players to perform, quite often took him further on to the field than the rules allowed and his wry smile when the referee took him to task meant 'okay, until the next time'. A local referee once remarked that while Tommy's playing career was with Killyman it could be argued that he played for the Clarkes too since he spent more time among the backs and forwards than on the sideline. He installed a passion into all his players - a passion that was tempered with respect for opposing players and the referee. Always a diplomat - his advice to the player frustrated by dubious decisions was 'referees are human, so get on with the game and better luck next time - the next mistake may be in your favour'. His team talks were legend. He didn't have to ask for silence. Players hung on his every word and that voice which fluctuated between a whisper and a shout set the scene for what he expected. His 'men' were ready and willing to play for each other. The final instruction was simple and effective. "Gaelic football is a simple game - don't complicate it. Give of your best for 60 minutes, play for each other and don't criticise. If you want to win you will". From U10 to U21 his boys won every grade - a success story for which he was reluctant to claim credit. He was always at pains to point to his co manager and their contribution to the team's success. His proudest moment was seeing Gerald Cavlan lift the Sam Maguire. Gerald started his Clarke's career with Tommy - a career which brought so much joy to the club, our town and the County. When the All-Ireland Champions came to Dungannon Tommy was to the fore in the preparation and the decoration. One of his players had done well and he made sure Gerald got a welcome to remember. Every player who donned the Clarke's jersey had a special place in Tommy's heart. Talented or not they were all equally important to him. He will always be remembered for his knowledge of individual players and the time and patience he devoted to them. During the days of his wake and funeral I talked to many of the present senior, reserve and minor squad. Each had a story to tell about Tommy - what he said to them in the changing room, on the field, up the street or when he visited them in their own homes to encourage them to 'give it another go'. One comment in particular summed up the esteem in which he was held - 'I wanted to be a good player not so much for myself but for Tommy'. Off the field Tommy you had all our best interests at heart. When we socialised with you, you watched out for us too. At the end of the night when common sense didn't always prevail our safety was uppermost in your mind. How often did you tell us 'you don't have to go home but you can't stay here' and 'all abroad the Bangor bus is leaving'. You had all the taxi numbers at your finger tips and if none were available you often did the honours. You have gone home early to a reward you richly deserve. Our club and our town is the poorer for you passing but you have left a legacy which will sustain us through the years. We will never forget you and when the going gets tough we will think about the man from Cill na mBan who devoted so much of his time and energy to Dun Geanainn agus na Cleirigh. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen, Declan, Jarlath, Colm, Kelly and his grandchildren. Ar Dheis De go rabh tu a Thomais. Courtesy of the Tyrone Times 26 June 2006 Tweet

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